How Can Teachers Help ELL Students Learn Academic Language?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Experts suggest

taking a four-pronged approach

when teaching academic language to ELs by providing opportunities for these students to learn the terminology through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. … These strategies are most effective if taught prior to readings that include vocabulary words.

How can teachers help students acquire language?

Here are some suggestions for appropriate instructional strategies according to stages of language acquisition.

Emphasize listening comprehension by using read-alouds and music

. Use visuals and have students point to pictures or act out vocabulary. Speak slowly and use shorter words, but use correct English phrasing.

How can teachers help ELL students develop academic language?

What is academic language Why is it important for educators to teach academic language to ELLs?

“It is important for

teachers to speak to students in a way that promotes language in every aspect of their school day

.” Mastering academic language is important for students to achieve fluency in English and consequently achieve academic success.

What can I do to help my students develop academic English?

As ELLs reach the intermediate level, use social English with contextual support to teach academic English. Add content vocabulary in your lessons or units. Cooperative group projects with more advanced ELLs or English-speakers are also helpful for intermediate ELLs.

What is the best way to teach English?

  1. Keep instructions clear and simple. …
  2. Let them listen first. …
  3. Drill, repeat, drill, repeat, drill… …
  4. Establish classroom language early on. …
  5. Avoid metalanguage. …
  6. Don’t forget that your students are fluent in their own language(s) …
  7. Prepare well, prepare a lot, keep them talking.

How can students improve their language skills?


Every social interaction

gives students a new opportunity to practice language. Some of your students might need a little guidance from you to engage in conversations, so spark interactions whenever you can. Ask questions, rephrase the student’s answers, and give prompts that encourage oral conversations to continue.

What are the 4 components of academic language?

Academic language refers to the

oral, written, auditory, and visual language proficiency

required to learn effectively in schools and academic programs—i.e., it’s the language used in classroom lessons, books, tests, and assignments, and it’s the language that students are expected to learn and achieve fluency in.

What are the purposes of doing an academic writing?

Academic writing is clear, concise, focussed, structured and backed up by evidence. Its purpose is

to aid the reader’s understanding

. It has a formal tone and style, but it is not complex and does not require the use of long sentences and complicated vocabulary.

Why is it important to teach academic language?

Students who are proficient in the Academic Language for the subject areas you teach will be much better equipped to

acquire new knowledge through reading and listening

, and to express this knowledge and their ideas through oral discussions, writing and test taking.

How can you promote the social and academic language development of your students?

  • Introduce and reinforce academic language regularly. …
  • Provide opportunities for review. …
  • Use academic language throughout all content areas. …
  • Use resources for support.

How can I improve my academic knowledge?

  1. Find a good studying spot. This is important. …
  2. Stay Away From Your Phone. …
  3. No Willpower? …
  4. Take a break and take care of yourself. …
  5. Organize lectures notes. …
  6. Join or create a study group. …
  7. Aromatherapy, plants and music. …
  8. Leave time for the last-minute review.

How is academic language used in the classroom?

Academic language refers to

the oral, written, auditory, and visual language proficiency required to learn effectively in schools and academic programs

—i.e., it’s the language used in classroom lessons, books, tests, and assignments, and it’s the language that students are expected to learn and achieve fluency in.

What are fun ways to teach English?

  • Board Race.
  • Call My Bluff / Two Truths and A Lie.
  • Simon Says.
  • Word Jumble Race.
  • Hangman.
  • Pictionary.
  • The Mime.
  • Hot Seat.

What is the main objective of teaching English in elementary classes?

1 –

Develop their intellectual, personal and professional abilities

. 2 – Acquire basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in order to communication with speakers of English language. 3 – Acquire the linguistic competence necessarily required in various life situations.

What are the topics to teach English?

  • Me and My Family. When teaching young children it is essential to start with topics that are closest to them. …
  • My House. After their family, the next closest thing to them is their home. …
  • Colors. …
  • Shapes and sizes. …
  • Classroom objects. …
  • Numbers. …
  • Feelings. …
  • Daily Activities.
Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.